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Exhibit Hall

OPEN - Weds-Sat 10AM - 6PM

CLOSED - Sunday-Tuesday

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Cornell Local History Research Library & Archives

DROP-IN - Saturday 10AM - 3PM

The archives are open by appointment all other days. Please contact   archives@thehistorycenter.net   regarding research options. 

DROP-IN - Saturday 10AM - 3PM

The archives are open by appointment all other days. Please contact   archives@thehistorycenter.net   regarding research options. 

The History Center is offering self-guided visits to our state-of-the-art Exhibit Hall including our Timeline Tunnel, Story Vault, Children's Education Area, access to our six exhibit towers, and a close look at our 106 year old Tommy Plane! Private visits with only your group can be reserved in advance, walk-in's can also be accommodated during all our open days.

How long should I plan for my visit?

We suggest planning for at least an hour to explore the Exhibit Hall, but you may stay as long as you like. We encourage everyone to also explore the Community Arts Partnership ArtSpace/Gallery and Downtown Visitors Center also located on the first floor of our building.

Our museum and programs are open and accessible to people of all abilities. Learn more on our Accessibility page.

If a member of your group has sensory sensitivities or physical/visual/auditory limitations please reach out to us with any questions or concerns about our exhibits and the space. We're happy to offer adjustments and options to ensure an enjoyable visit for everyone.

Upcoming events

    • Sat, January 06, 2024
    • Sat, June 15, 2024
    • 12 sessions
    • 110 North Tioga St, Ithaca NY 14850 - Located inside the Tompkins Center for History & Culture

    WHEN: Saturdays: January 6 & 20, February 3 & 17, March 2 & 16, April 6 & 20, May 4 & 18, June 1 & 15

    WHERE: Joe Mareane Conference Room (Second Floor), Located inside the Tompkins Center for History & Culture, 110 N Tioga St, Ithaca NY 14850

    HistoryForge Transcription sessions happen every other Saturday from 11am-1pm. They happen in-person at the Tompkins Center for History & Culture on the Ithaca Commons usually in the Second Floor Conference Room.

    Be sure you're on the email list to stay in the loop! APPLICATION REQUIRED for new volunteers - We need to do some behind-the-scenes prep-work for each session! 

    What We'll Be Doing

    Help build the HistoryForge database for Tompkins County! We hold community transcription sessions twice a month on Saturdays from 11-1. In 2024 we will be working on the Town of Ithaca census records for 1950, as well as for the Town of Caroline (1880-1950), Town of Newfield (1880-1950), and Trumansburg (1880-1950)!

    To help with our behind the scenes processing of volunteer materials, please complete the volunteer form at least 4 days before the session.

    Complete Volunteer Application

    HistoryForge is a digital mapping and transcription project from The History Center in Tompkins County. We need help digitizing information from the 1940 Ithaca census to add to our HistoryForge database! Volunteers will read through the handwritten census notes from 1940, re-type/and or scan information about individuals, buildings, and businesses from that time period.

    YOU WILL NEED: A laptop or desktop computer, stable internet connection. We have a limited number of volunteer laptops available.

    About HistoryForge

    HistoryForge is a digital history project from The History Center in Tompkins County which combines historic maps and photos with census records of the people who lived in Ithaca, creating a way to visualize the history of Ithaca in the early 1900s. Learn more about the project here and the start of our database creation.

    Not available Saturdays but interested?
    Contact Eve at HistoryForge@thehistorycenter.net


    The HistoryForge project has been made possible in part by a major grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities: Democracy demands wisdom.

    The HistoryForge: Mapping Census Data to Visualize Local History grant was awarded in 2022-2024 through NEH's Digital Humanities Advancement Grant program. The project was also selected to receive funding through NEH's A More Perfect Union initiative.

    .
    LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
    This project is digitizing post-colonization records of Tompkins County, which is located in the traditional and contemporary lands of the Gayogo̱hó꞉nǫˀ Nation (Cayuga), one of the Six Nations of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy. Learn more at thehistorycenter.net/land-acknowledgment.

    • Fri, February 02, 2024
    • Fri, December 06, 2024
    • 11 sessions
    • Tompkins Center for History & Culture - 110 N. Tioga St, Ithaca NY 14850

    The History Center is a regular participant in First Friday Gallery Nights (ithacagallerynight.com) in Downtown Ithaca. Please visit www.ithacagallerynight.com to see all open locations. 

    Gallery Night occurs the first Friday evening of each month from 5-8pm.

    Gallery Night is a walkable art show featuring the latest artworks created by highly skilled local and regional artists. Gallery Night varies from month to month, but you can expect to see a range of in-person shows, a walkable tour of window displays, or artwork in storefront windows throughout Downtown.

    1/5 - Exhibit Hall is CLOSED

    2/2 - Exhibit OPENING of A Sporting Chance: On and Off the Field

    3/1 - A Sporting Chance: On and Off the Field on display 

    4/5 -  A Sporting Chance: On and Off the Field on display 

    5/3 -  A Sporting Chance: On and Off the Field on display 

    6/7 - A Sporting Chance: On and Off the Field on display 

    7/5 - A Sporting Chance: On and Off the Field on display

    8/2 - A Sporting Chance: On and Off the Field on display

    9/6 - A Sporting Chance: On and Off the Field on display

    10/4 - A Sporting Chance: On and Off the Field on display

    11/1 - A Sporting Chance: On and Off the Field on display

    12/6 - FINAL GALLERY NIGHT A Sporting Chance: On and Off the Field on display

    • Sat, February 17, 2024
    • Sat, September 07, 2024
    • 30 sessions
    • Tompkins Center for History & Culture - 110 N Tioga St, Ithaca NY 14850


    Saturday Open Hours - Research Library

    Beginning on February 17th 2024, the Research Library will be open to walk-in visitors on Saturdays from 10:00-3:00 for limited research access. Available records include:

    • Genealogy files - Explore our Family Files page to see if we have records with your family names!
    • Built environment resources
    • Local history books - We have over 4,000 books in our library! 
    • Historic maps and atlases - Maps
    • browsable photographs - Photograph Collections

    For appointments on other days with complete access to all of The History Center's archival collections, email archives@thehistorycenter.net  or call 607-273-8284, x224. Appointments are strongly encouraged.

    How long should I plan for?

    We suggest planning for at least an hour. The majority of our records are not digitized, and it can take time to locate the specific information you're looking for. Try to plan for your research time by contacting archives@thehistorycenter.net ahead of time and explore the content introductions we have available on our website.

    Explore the virtual tour of our building at thehistorycenter.net/TCHC to understand how to get to the Library - Use the menu in the top left corner to navigate to the Research Library area. 

    Visiting the Exhibit Hall

    The Research Library is located next to our Exhibit Hall, include time in your visit to explore our local history displays including our Timeline Tunnel, Story Vault, Eight Square Schoolhouse Replica, access to our six exhibit towers, and a close look at our 104 year old Tommy Plane! Private visits with only your group can be reserved in advance, walk-in's can be accommodated most days (W-Sat 10am-6pm).

    CURRENT EXHIBIT - 'A Sporting Chance: On and Off the Field' will be on display February 2024-December 2024. Learn about the exhibit at thehistorycenter.net/sporting-chance.

    Our museum is open and accessible to everyone and we offer a number of accessible options for visitors with specific needs. Learn more at thehistorycenter.net/accessibility

    If a member of your group has sensory sensitivities or physical/visual/auditory limitations please reach out to us with any questions or concerns about our exhibits and the space. We're happy to offer adjustments and options to ensure an enjoyable visit for everyone.

    Our suggested admission price is $10 per adult, $4 per child. Your contribution is important for our continued ability to provide a public educational space within the community. No one will be prevented from visiting due to an inability to pay. Donations can be made during booking or in person.

    Museum staff sanitize all touched surfaces in the museum daily. Review our full safety procedures at thehistorycenter.net/health

    Health & Safety

    The History Center is a mask friendly space. Staff and visitors can wear masks if they desire, but it is no longer required.

    If you are concerned or are particularly vulnerable to the virus, please email us and we are happy to schedule private visit for you to explore the museum in a worry free way. Your comfort and safety is our number one priority!

    History Center staff sanitize all touched surfaces within the Exhibit Hall daily.

    Please do not schedule a visit if you or any member of your group are awaiting results from a COVID-19 test due to symptoms or potential exposure, or were recently in close contact with someone who tested positive for the virus.

    .

    LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

    Our museum is located in the traditional and contemporary lands of the Gayogohó:nǫˀ Nation (Cayuga), one of the Six Nations of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy. Learn more at thehistorycenter.net/land-acknowledgement.

    • Wed, March 20, 2024
    • Sat, July 13, 2024
    • 66 sessions
    • Tompkins Center for History & Culture - 110 N Tioga St, Ithaca NY 14850


    Walk through local stories and discover the history of Tompkins County

    Open Hours

    Our Exhibit Hall is open Wednesday-Saturday 10am-6pm February-December. 

    HOLIDAY HOURS - Exhibit Hall will be closed: all Election Days, Juneteenth.

    Suggested Donation
    Adults: $10
    Child: $4

    If you would like to schedule a private visit with masked staff please contact community@thehistorycenter.net

    **Research visits to the Archives & Research Library must be scheduled separately by emailing archives@thehistorycenter.net**

    How long should I plan for?

    We suggest planning for at least an hour to explore the Exhibit Hall, but you may stay as long as you like. We encourage everyone to also explore the Community Arts Partnership Gallery, TCHC Community Tower Exhibit (rotates every three months) and Downtown Visitors Center located on the first floor.

    Visiting the Exhibit Hall

    The History Center is offering in-person visits to our state-of-the-art Exhibit Hall including our Timeline Tunnel, Story Vault, Eight Square Schoolhouse Replica, access to our six exhibit towers, and a close look at our 104 year old Tommy Plane! Private visits with only your group can be reserved in advance, walk-in's can be accommodated most days (W-Sat 10am-6pm).

    CURRENT EXHIBIT - 'A Sporting Chance: On and Off the Field' will be on display February 2024-December 2024. Learn about the exhibit at thehistorycenter.net/sporting-chance.

    Our museum is open and accessible to everyone and we offer a number of accessible options for visitors with specific needs. Learn more at thehistorycenter.net/accessibility

    If a member of your group has sensory sensitivities or physical/visual/auditory limitations please reach out to us with any questions or concerns about our exhibits and the space. We're happy to offer adjustments and options to ensure an enjoyable visit for everyone.

    Request an Exhibit Hall Scavenger Hunt, coloring pages, or museum activity sheet from the front desk when you check in for added fun for all ages!

    Our suggested admission price is $10 per adult, $4 per child. Your contribution is important for our continued ability to provide a public educational space within the community. No one will be prevented from visiting due to an inability to pay. Donations can be made during booking or in person.

    Museum staff sanitize all touched surfaces in the museum daily. Review our full safety procedures at thehistorycenter.net/health

    *We try to accommodate visiting groups outside our normal operating hours when possible. Please contact community@thehistorycenter.net if you'd like to visit the museum or schedule a group field trip outside our normal operating hours.*

    Health & Safety

    The History Center is a mask friendly space. Staff and visitors can wear masks if they desire, but it is no longer required.

    If you are concerned or are particularly vulnerable to the virus, please email us and we are happy to schedule private visit for you to explore the museum in a worry free way. Your comfort and safety is our number one priority!

    History Center staff sanitize all touched surfaces within the Exhibit Hall daily.

    Please do not schedule a visit if you or any member of your group are awaiting results from a COVID-19 test due to symptoms or potential exposure, or were recently in close contact with someone who tested positive for the virus.

    .

    LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

    Our museum is located in the traditional and contemporary lands of the Gayogohó:nǫˀ Nation (Cayuga), one of the Six Nations of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy. Learn more at thehistorycenter.net/land-acknowledgement.

    • Mon, April 08, 2024

    Learn more: https://www.visitfingerlakes.com/eclipse-2024/

    • Fri, April 12, 2024
    • 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM


    A Tribute to the Grand Old Game

    An early history of baseball in Ithaca

    WHEN: Friday April 12th 5:30-6:30pm

    WHERE: CAP ArtSpace in the Tompkins Center for History & Culture on the Ithaca Commons - 110 North Tioga St. Ithaca NY 14850.

    PRESENTERS: Charles DeMotte

    About

    Join us on Friday, April 12th from 5:30pm - 6:30pm for A Tribute to the Grand Old Game, and then stick around if you're interested in joining Ithaca's first Vintage Baseball team!

    Charles DeMotte has a long-standing interest in the history of baseball and has written on local baseball as well as producing several books on baseball subjects. He received his Ph.D. from the University of Kansas in 1977 and his Master’s degree from The University of Missouri-Kansas City in 1970. Dr. DeMotte was born in Ithaca, NY and currently lives in nearby Freeville, NY.

    Celebrate the beginning of the baseball season learning about the earliest baseball history in Ithaca. Join Charles DeMotte and The History Center in Tompkins County 


    Tompkins County has a rich baseball history. Dating from the 1860s, when the first recorded games were played, baseball was the favorite local game played at all levels of society. Charles DeMotte’s talk will focus on the early years of baseball in Ithaca and the county up through the WWI. At that time, baseball was truly the national pastime and fit into a pattern of life that is now lost.

    This event is brought to you through our current exhibit 'A Sporting Chance: On and Off the Field'. Learn more at thehistorycenter.net/sporting-chance. On display February-December 2024

    ABOUT THE PRESENTER

    Charles DeMotte has a long-standing interest in the history of baseball and has written on local baseball as well as producing several books on baseball subjects. He received his Ph.D. from the University of Kansas in 1977 and his Master’s degree from The University of Missouri-Kansas City in 1970. Dr. DeMotte was born in Ithaca, NY and currently lives in nearby Freeville, NY.

    -----------------------------------------------------

    Ithaca's Own Vintage Baseball Team

    The History Center in Tompkins County hosted a vintage baseball showcase in the summer of 2022, welcoming the Bovina Dairymen and the Delhi Polecats to Taughannock park for an 1864 and 1892 baseball game. This year, we're excited to welcome back the Bovina Dairymen to compete against a team of Ithaca's finest vintage ball players.

    We're actively recruiting community members (no experience necessary!) to fill out our vintage team for Saturday, August 17th at Taughannock Park. This promises to be an exciting living history athletic endeavor - we need you to stand up for Ithaca!


    COVID-19 POLICY - The History Center will follow the most up to date guidance from the Tompkins County Health Department. Our organization is a mask friendly space and encourage visitors to practice what is most comfortable to them regarding mask wearing. Learn more at thehistorycenter.net/health. The event space can hold up to 45 people. There is no current plan to offer a virtual option for this program.

    The History Center in Tompkins County's current exhibit and programs are made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.

    .

    LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
    This event will take place in the traditional and contemporary lands of the Gayogo̱hó꞉nǫˀ Nation (Cayuga), one of the Six Nations of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy. Learn more at thehistorycenter.net/land-acknowledgement.

    • Sat, April 20, 2024
    • 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM


    The Center of it All: Baseball on the Erie Canal

    Presentation of the history of baseball and the Erie Canal with Derrick Pratt!

    WHEN: Saturday April 20th 2-3pm

    WHERE: CAP ArtSpace in the Tompkins Center for History & Culture on the Ithaca Commons - 110 North Tioga St. Ithaca NY 14850.

    PRESENTERS: Derrick Pratt, Director of Education & Public Programming at the Erie Canal Museum in Syracuse 

    About

    The Erie Canal totally transformed life along its banks. Cities were built. Religions were founded. National movements started. And goods, people and ideas were transported. One often overlooked aspect of this change is the explosion of what was quickly becoming the national pastime: baseball. From Albany to Buffalo, the new sport swept through the Canal corridor. Many of its earliest stars lived and played beside the towpath.

    During this lecture speaker Derrick Pratt discusses the development of baseball from the end of the Civil War to 1903, and the teams and players who had connections to the Erie Canal corridor and its towns and cities. Pratt did extensive research for this presentation at the archives of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown, New York. His talk includes research findings, images, and time for questions and answers.

    This event is brought to you through our current exhibit 'A Sporting Chance: On and Off the Field'. Learn more at thehistorycenter.net/sporting-chance. On display February-December 2024

    ABOUT THE PRESENTER

    Derrick Pratt is the Director of Education & Public Programming at the Erie Canal Museum in Syracuse, NY. A native of Chittenango, NY, Derrick received a B.A in Social Studies Education from SUNY Cortland and a M.A. in Museum Studies from Syracuse University. Prior to his job at the Erie Canal Museum, Derrick served as Director of Programs at Chittenango Landing Canal Boat Museum for 3 years.


    COVID-19 POLICY - The History Center will follow the most up to date guidance from the Tompkins County Health Department. Our organization is a mask friendly space and encourage visitors to practice what is most comfortable to them regarding mask wearing. Learn more at thehistorycenter.net/health. The event space can hold up to 45 people. There is no current plan to offer a virtual option for this program.

    The History Center in Tompkins County's current exhibit and programs are made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.

    .

    LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
    This event will take place in the traditional and contemporary lands of the Gayogo̱hó꞉nǫˀ Nation (Cayuga), one of the Six Nations of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy. Learn more at thehistorycenter.net/land-acknowledgement.

Past events

Thu, March 28, 2024 CANCELLED - Indigenous Women: Hearts of the Nation w/ Yvonne Wakim Dennis
Thu, March 21, 2024 CHAT - Irish Immigration to the U.S.
Sat, March 16, 2024 Printing Women on the Bill Workshop w/ Laura Rowley
Thu, February 29, 2024 LEAP DAY! Support The History Center @ Monks Gives Back
Wed, February 21, 2024 CHAT - Underground Railroad in Tompkins County
Fri, February 16, 2024 Ithaca Loves Teachers at The History Center!
Wed, February 14, 2024 Douglass Day - Volunteer Transcribe-a-thon
Fri, February 02, 2024 Visit the Exhibit Hall
Fri, February 02, 2024 EXHIBIT OPENING - A Sporting Chance: On and Off the Field
Mon, January 01, 2024 EXHIBIT HALL IS CLOSED - for New Exhibit Installation
Fri, December 01, 2023 Final Month of Knot Sew Fast: Patchwork of Tompkins County - Closes 12/30
Thu, November 23, 2023 CLOSED - Staff Holiday
Sat, November 11, 2023 Corn Husk Doll Workshop w/ Penny Minner
Sat, October 21, 2023 On Doing Local History - 5-week Seminar
Thu, October 19, 2023 The Ultimate Last Word: Write Your Own Obituary
Fri, October 13, 2023 Haunted History Tour (Ithaca)
Sat, October 07, 2023 (Fully Booked) Private Quilt Appraisal
Wed, October 04, 2023 Visit the Exhibit Hall
Sat, September 23, 2023 Oral History Quilt Griot Program w/ Leanora Mims
Sat, September 23, 2023 Traverse Tompkins Annual Fundraiser - Building Bridges
Mon, September 18, 2023 APHSNY Conference Session: HistoryForge Discovering Home Through Local History
Sat, September 16, 2023 Sweetgrass & Splint Star Workshop w/ Penny Minner
Wed, September 13, 2023 (Off-site) History of Boats & Boat Building on Cayuga Lake w/ Eve Snyder
Sat, September 09, 2023 Quilting Stories w/ Leanora Mims
Wed, September 06, 2023 Book Talk: Unionizing the Ivory Tower: Cornell Workers' Fifteen-Year Fight for Justice and a Living Wage
Wed, August 30, 2023 Barn Quilt Painting Workshop
Fri, August 04, 2023 *Temporary Exhibit* 'Genderqueer Pioneers: The Lavender Hill Legacy'
Sat, July 29, 2023 Guided Tour of P.L.A.C.E in Ithaca
Sat, July 29, 2023 Guided Tour of P.L.A.C.E in Ithaca
Wed, July 12, 2023 Exhibit Opening - 20th Women Swimmin' for Hospicare
Sat, July 08, 2023 HistoryForge Transcription Sessions (Volunteers Needed)
Sat, July 01, 2023 Present Conversations Indigenous & POC Art Exhibit
Fri, June 30, 2023 Private Quilt Appraisal
Wed, June 28, 2023 RESCHEDULED - P.L.A.C.E. Textile & Garment Workers Through HistoryForge
Sat, June 17, 2023 Guided Tour of P.L.A.C.E in Ithaca
Fri, June 16, 2023 Screening: Lavender Hill A Love Story - DOWNTOWN ITHACA PRIDE WEEK
Wed, June 14, 2023 Visit the Exhibit Hall
Wed, June 07, 2023 POSTPONED - P.L.A.C.E. Textile & Garment Workers Through HistoryForge
Fri, June 02, 2023 Exhibit Opening - Present Conversations Indigenous & POC Art Exhibit
Fri, June 02, 2023 Present Conversations Indigenous & POC Art Exhibit
Thu, May 11, 2023 Community Quiltmaking for Good w/ Brooktondale Community Center & Ellis Hollow Quilt Guild
Sat, May 06, 2023 Legacies of Canoes - Book Talk & Screening @ Cinemapolis
Sat, May 06, 2023 EXHIBIT HALL IS CLOSED - Gayogo̱hó꞉nǫ’ and Deyodi:ho:nǫˀ People and Tutelo Park
Tue, May 02, 2023 CHAT - History of Environmental Thought - Student Presentations
Tue, May 02, 2023 HistoryForge: Mapping Your Family History (Virtual Program)
Sat, April 29, 2023 Tommy's Annual Inspection w/ Ithaca Aviation Heritage Foundation
Wed, April 26, 2023 CHAT - Is the Ithaca kitty the first calico cat?
Thu, April 13, 2023 Quilted with Care - 1996 Retrospective
Thu, April 06, 2023 Introduction to Quilting: Mini Quilt Tops
Wed, April 05, 2023 Tompkins Chamber - Business After Hours @ TCHC
Sat, March 25, 2023 POSTPONED - CHAT - Women of Newfield w/ Rosemary Rowland
Sat, March 18, 2023 Make a Fairy Quilt! - Free Crafting Workshop - ALL AGES
Thu, March 16, 2023 Meet the Sewing Machine - An Introduction
Sat, February 25, 2023 Private Quilt Appraisal
Thu, February 23, 2023 FLX Cider Tasting Pop-up - ITHACA LOVES TEACHERS!
Thu, February 16, 2023 Ithaca Loves Teachers at The History Center!
Fri, February 03, 2023 Gallery Night (First Fridays in Downtown Ithaca)
Fri, February 03, 2023 Visit the Exhibit Hall
Fri, February 03, 2023 EXHIBIT OPENING - Knot Sew Fast: Patchwork of Tompkins County
Thu, February 02, 2023 First Glimpse - Knot Sew Fast: Patchwork of Tompkins County (Invitation Only)
Sat, January 07, 2023 HistoryForge Transcription Sessions (Volunteers Needed)
Wed, January 04, 2023 EXHIBIT HALL IS CLOSED JANUARY 2023
Fri, December 16, 2022 Holiday Cider Pop-up At The History Center
Thu, December 08, 2022 Final Month of reCOUNT: Facing our Census Exhibit - Closes 12/30
Tue, November 29, 2022 Giving Tuesday - Support The History Center!
Wed, November 02, 2022 Who Lived Here? Using HistoryForge to Engage People in Local History in Ithaca, NY and Beyond - Ithaca Nerd Night Experience
Sat, October 15, 2022 Corn Husk Dolls Workshop (All Ages)
Fri, October 14, 2022 Haunted History Tours
Sat, October 08, 2022 Book Talk: Mark Monmonier's Clock and Compass: How John Byron Plato Gave Farmers a Real Address
Fri, September 23, 2022 Community Read - 'The Gayogo̱hó:nǫ' People in the Cayuga Lake Region: A Brief History'
Fri, September 23, 2022 Traverse Tompkins - Facing Floods Fundraiser
Thu, September 22, 2022 Lecture: Women of WWII: On the Front Lines & the Home Front
Sat, September 17, 2022 REGISTRATION IS FULL - Sweetgrass & Splint Star Workshop w/ Penny Minner
Wed, September 07, 2022 Visit the Exhibit Hall
Sat, September 03, 2022 History Forge Transcription Sessions (Volunteers Needed)
Thu, September 01, 2022 History of the Commons - Tours
Wed, April 13, 2022 Exhibit Hall is OPEN 10am-5pm
Wed, April 06, 2022 Exhibit Hall is OPEN 10am-5pm
Fri, April 01, 2022 Exhibit Opening - reCOUNT: Facing our Census
Sun, March 13, 2022 EXHIBIT HALL IS CLOSED - for New Exhibit Installation
Sat, March 12, 2022 FINAL DAY - Breaking Barriers: Women's Lives & Livelihoods
Sat, March 05, 2022 Time to Tune Up Tommy! w/ Ithaca Aviation Heritage Foundation
Wed, February 23, 2022 Ancestor Project Crafting w/ Gerry Monaghan
Sat, February 19, 2022 Print-A-Kitty (Rescheduled) - Printing Press Program w/ Laura Rowley
Wed, February 16, 2022 Ancestor Project Crafting w/ Gerry Monaghan
Mon, February 14, 2022 Douglass Day - Virtual Transcribe-a-Thon! (Volunteers Needed)
Sat, February 12, 2022 It's All Right to Be Woman Theatre - Screening & Talkback (NEW date)
Sat, February 12, 2022 Ithaca Loves Teachers and so does The History Center!
Sat, January 22, 2022 POSTPONED - It's All Right to Be Woman Theatre - Screening & Talkback
Sat, January 01, 2022 EXHIBIT HALL IS CLOSED - WINTER RECESS
Fri, December 24, 2021 EXHIBIT HALL IS CLOSED
Wed, December 15, 2021 EXHIBIT HALL IS CLOSED
Sat, December 11, 2021 POSTPONED - Print-A-Kitty - Printing Press Program w/ Laura Rowley
Wed, November 24, 2021 EXHIBIT HALL IS CLOSED
Sat, November 20, 2021 Ancestor Project - Intergenerational Artifact Crafting w/ Gerry Monaghan
Sat, November 20, 2021 Historic Marker Unveiling at Cayuga Nature Center
Fri, November 05, 2021 Art of Wampum Exhibit Opening - Lecture w/ Rich Hamell
Wed, October 27, 2021 There's Your Ready Girl - Screening & Discussion
Fri, October 15, 2021 Haunted History Tours
Thu, October 14, 2021 Serial Style: The Business of Being Irene Castle with Prof. Denise Green
Thu, September 23, 2021 Traverse Tompkins 2021: Finding Fires
Sat, September 18, 2021 Corn Husk Dolls Workshop - Community Education Program
Sat, September 11, 2021 Ithaca Council for Equality - Video Premiere & Discussion
Fri, September 03, 2021 Stop and Listen to HERstory
Sat, August 21, 2021 Sweetgrass & Splint Star Workshop - Community Education Program
Sat, August 07, 2021 Printing Women on the Bill - Community Education Program
Wed, July 28, 2021 Connie Cook: A Documentary - Screening & Panel
Fri, July 02, 2021 Breaking Barriers - Exhibit OPENING
Wed, June 23, 2021 Giving is Gorges - Virtual Fundraiser
Sun, June 13, 2021 EXHIBIT HALL IS CLOSED FOR NEW EXHIBIT INSTALLATION
Wed, April 14, 2021 There's Your Ready Girl - Screening & Discussion
Wed, February 24, 2021 Teach with the History Center (Virtual)
Sat, February 20, 2021 Tommy Plane Postcard Printing - Youth Program
Wed, February 17, 2021 Teachers Learn to Fly with Tommy! (Virtual)
Fri, February 12, 2021 Ithaca Loves Teachers
Thu, December 24, 2020 Ithaca Drag Story Hour - A Christmas Reading of 'The Gingham Dog & the Calico Cat'
Mon, December 21, 2020 Closed to the Public - Holidays
Sat, December 19, 2020 Gingham Dog & the Calico Cat - Film Screening
Sat, December 19, 2020 History Forge Transcription Sessions (Volunteers Needed)
Sat, December 12, 2020 Learning to Fly with Tommy - Episode 5 Premiere!
Sat, December 05, 2020 Learning to Fly with Tommy - Episode 3 Premiere!
Sat, December 05, 2020 Learning to Fly with Tommy - Episode 4 Premiere!
Mon, November 30, 2020 Closed to the Public
Thu, November 26, 2020 CLOSED FOR THANKSGIVING
Mon, November 23, 2020 Closed to the Public
Sat, November 21, 2020 Learn to Fly with Tommy - Episode 2 Premiere!
Sat, November 14, 2020 Music of Central NY w/ Dave Ruch - Youth Program
Sun, October 25, 2020 Cemetery Scavenger Hunt - Youth Program
Sat, October 17, 2020 Make Your Own Comic - Youth Program
Thu, October 01, 2020 New York City’s Hart Island: A Cemetery of Strangers (Virtual Program)
Sun, September 27, 2020 Corn Husk Dolls - Youth Program
Mon, September 07, 2020 24-Hours of Biking to the Support The History Center - FUNDRAISER
Sun, August 23, 2020 Print-A-Kitty Youth Program
Thu, August 13, 2020 Exhibit Hall Re-Opens
Sat, August 08, 2020 Virtual Unveiling of Alex Haley Historic Marker

If you have difficulty with the booking software, call 607-273-8284 ext. 229 and leave a message with your preferred  visit time, and we will call you back to confirm. 

We try to accommodate visiting groups outside our normal operating hours when possible. Please contact community@thehistorycenter.net if you'd like to visit the museum or schedule a group field trip outside our normal operating hours.

Group bookings must be made 24 hours in advance to secure a specific time slot.

We can accommodate walk-in visitors without appointments most days.

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EXPLORE THE MUSEUM ACTIVITY CRATES

Add adventure and fun to your museum visit by reserving one of our Explore the Museum Activity Crates! A photo of a museum activity crate, surrounded by a large children's atlas, a cup full of writing utensils. and other various activities. Filled with puzzles, books, crafting projects, coloring pages, and scavenger hunts for the museum. 

Activity Crates can be checked out for $5 when scheduling your visit. Kids may take home all work sheets and coloring pages, but other supplies and games must be returned to the front desk at the end of your visit.

HEALTH & SAFETY: Following each use crates and activities will be kept out of rotation for three days before going through a full sanitation process. Thanks to grant funds from the New York State Council on the Arts, we were able to purchase multiple sets of activities in each crate, allowing us to rotate them while maintaining necessary health and safety standards.

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Green New York State outline with text, "New York State of Opportunity - Council on the Arts" These materials were purchased with funds from a New York State Council on the Arts 2020 Youth Programming grant. 


Health & Safety Protocols

An image with the header "The History Center in Tompkins County" and features a masked Ithaca Kitty saying "Don't forget to clean your paws!" The caption reads "Learn all about the world famous Ithaca Kitty in the Exhibit Hall!"The History Center in Tompkins County is a MASK FRIENDLY SPACE. This means that we encourage all visitors to wear what feels most comfortable to them.

Private visits with masked and vaccinated staff are still available at no cost (although donations are appreciated) for any visitors concerned about covid-19 exposure. Private visits must be scheduled in advance. Once your group is checked in, Exhibit Hall doors will be shut and the space will be solely for your group to explore for one hour. 

We will continue to monitor both state guidance and recommendations from the Tompkins County Health Department and will evaluate and update policies as needed.

Review our full list of Health & Safety Protocols.

If you have any reflections or suggestions on how we could improve our practices for your comfort please contact Ben Sandberg at director@thehistorycenter.net.

Please explore the local Inclusive Recreation Resource Center's profile of our handicap accessibility here.

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This profile includes detailed information regarding the physical layout of the Exhibit Hall and Research Library, and alternate methods for engaging with our exhibits and materials for individuals with impaired sight or hearing. Print out visitor guides and auditory visitor guides can be requested at the docent desk to the right of the front entrance to the Exhibit Hall. 

We do not have a parking lot associated with our building, however visitors with physical and/or movement impairment are encouraged to contact us at community@thehistorycenter.net in advance, and when possible they may use one of two staff parking spaces by the back entrance of our building. These spaces may not be used without advance communication. 

Email community@thehistorycenter.net with any questions or feedback.

We have two wheelchairs available for visitor use within the building. Ask at the front desk or email community@thehistorycenter.net to reserve them in advance of your visit. 


TCHC PARTNERS ON THE FIRST FLOOR

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Physical Address

Located inside the Tompkins Center for History & Culture

110 North Tioga Street

(On the Ithaca Commons) 

Ithaca NY, 14850 USA

Gayogo̱hó꞉nǫˀ Territory

Hours

Exhibit Hall Wednesday-Saturday 10am-6pm - CLOSED Sun-Tues

Cornell Local History Research Library & Archives - By appointment only. Please contact archives@thehistorycenter.net

Contact                                                     

Email: Refer to Contact page for individual emails, General inquiries to community@thehistorycenter.net

Phone: 607-273-8284

Web: thehistorycenter.net

Find us on social media @tompkinshistory

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